STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - CHARLESTON - Frank and Domenica Esposito spent their first Valentine's Day together more than 40 years ago at a restaurant in Brooklyn.

Fast-forward four decades, and the married Prince's Bay couple are still making an effort to get out and enjoy the holiday together.

"Everybody's out. We're enjoying ourselves," said Esposito, moments after two lobster tail entrees were delivered to their table while they dined at Z-Two Restaurant Lounge and Bar in Charleston.

Flowers and candy weren't part of the festivities, either, said the duo.

"She likes it simple," said Esposito, noting there was a Valentine's Day card.

"It's easier for us to get out. I don't have to cook or clean," said Mrs. Esposito.

They both noted the food at Z-Two is very good.

They apparently aren't alone in their rating: The restaurant was filled to bursting, and several people were forced to wait for seating around 6:30 p.m.

APPRECIATIVE

Celia and Marty Mantell, of Arden Heights, had already claimed a location in the dining room, but were waiting for their meals.

"We've come here a few times. We're very happy with this restaurant," said Mantell, who noted the pair often visits the Marina Cafe in Great Kills, but that it's closed due to Hurricane Sandy.

Mrs. Mantell enjoys the service and the greeting at the door.

The food is also good and the prices are fair, the couple added.

In addition, Mantell was recently given a surprise 70th birthday party at the South Shore eatery.

"This is the restaurant. It's convenient, there's plenty of parking, and the food is more than good. It's excellent," said Mantell.

His wife ordered skirt steak while he got salmon with crab meat.

As for Valentine's Day, said Mrs. Mantell, "It's nice to get out. It's a good excuse to get out and celebrate."

The holiday allows Mantell to put things in perspective, he said.

"We're married for many years. Our children are all married. We have six grandchildren. As you get older, you get a little wiser and appreciate when you're fortunate. We've been very fortunate on a number of levels," explained Mantell. "And there's no snow today either!"

AVOID CHORES

Lorraine and Glenn Phillips had just arrived when the Advance spotted the couple.

The Phillips, married for 23 years, avoided chores at home by going out together.

"We like the food. It's convenient, it's close, and I don't want to cook," said Mrs. Phillips, who ordered a panini. Her husband dialed up a California burger.

"Nights like these bring an appreciation for the relationship," said Mrs. Phillips.

Steve Osman, owner of Z-Two, said that the restaurant was very busy and the customers were delighted to be where they were. The Charleston restaurant's lounge stayed open until 4 in the morning.

"We're always busy on Valentine's Day. We fed 1,480 people that night. I guess they were also pretty happy," said Osman.

DOUBLING UP

Across the dimly-lit restaurant on Valentine's Day sat Eltingville's Rob and Marie Keely. The married couple of 30 years were celebrating more than Valentine's Day.

"It just happens to be her birthday, too," said Keely. "It's a double celebration tonight."

Mrs. Keely was surprised by her son, who lives in California, but managed to send an orchid to his mother.

"I wasn't expecting that," she said.

Keely also bought his wife a half-dozen roses, as well as dinner.

"It's special. A lot of people don't like St. Valentine's Day because they think it's commercialized. But when you think about it, people are in a certain routine every day of their lives. This gets to be one of those days to make special," said Keely.